Topic: Promoting Peaceful Post-Election Transitions
Country: Kenya
Delegate Name: Meaghan O’Connor
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Kenya position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Although a century old tradition, a democratic election has the potential of causing severe conflict within a nation. An election is meant to begin a peaceful transfer of power, although in some cases the results of an election have been disputed by the citizens of a country . This dispute may cause violence, ethnic conflict, or corruption within a government. Countries may be torn apart due to ethnic disagreement over the election of a new party to power. Either way, the transition period after an election is crucial in promoting a peaceful transition of power.
As of right now, Kenya is in a fragile state when it comes to ethnic disagreement. In the past year, a close election brought rising ethnic tension to a boiling point. Mwai Kibaki (now the leader of the country) won a close election against the opposing party member, Raila Amolo Odinga. Both politicians were of separate tribes who had opposing viewpoints. After the election committee faced extreme pressure by both the citizens and the government, they declared Kibaki the winner. This created severe post-election violence over results that many thought were unfairly counted. Although the violence started as a result of the election, it continued (and still exists today) because of the deeply-rooted ethnic problems that lay unsolved. The violence that exists today continues to ruin Kenya’s reputation as a promising democracy.
Many studies have been done to determine the cause of post-election violence and possible solutions to this problem. A study done by the International Studies Association shows that the factors that affect a post-election transition are national income, distribution of wealth, education, cultural preferences, as well as country-specific factors as well. These factors will keep a country somewhat stable, which is the first step in ensuring a peaceful transition. A resolution was passed by the UN Security council, named “Security Council Extends Increase In Force Strength of UN Mission”, to call on all countries to ensure a fair and peaceful election, as well as the strengthening of UN forces. Kenya believes that more should be done regarding this issue.
Kenya believes that stable democratic countries, without stakes in the nation, should be required to come into a country and watch the electoral process. This would create a sense of security for citizens, as well as preventing violent post-election transitions. Kenya also believes that all countries should have voting regulations that have to be met in order for an election to take place. These restrictions would include a time limit for results, as well as a standard set of rules for the voting process. Kenya is in full support of promoting peaceful post-election transitions, as the election process is invaluable to a country’s success.
